Weekly Sunday service information and parish news. |
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The Very Rev. Benjamin Hankinson, Celebrant
In light of the recent State of Illinois indoor mask mandate, all worshippers are asked to wear masks when attending church, including those who are fully vaccinated. We pray that through compassionate fidelity to the common good, we will see the present surge subside.
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December 5, Second Sunday of Advent
Religious Study
Sunday Adult Forum - 9:15 in Pearson Hall with Fr. Ben
Church School for Children - 9:15 in the Lower Level Church School Room.
Mask required for all classes.
Holy Eucharist | Rite I, 8 a.m. | Rite II 10 a.m. (Sung)
In-person attendance for up to 75 worshippers | Masks required.
Facebook Live at 10 a.m.
Coffee hour following the 10 a.m. service.
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Readings for Sunday, December 5
- Malachi 3:1-4
- Philippians 1:3-11
- Luke 3:1-6
- Canticle 4 or 16
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Make Your Offering!
Mail: Send your check to St. Andrew's Treasurer, at 406 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville 62025.
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The Week of December 5
- Choir rehearsal, Sunday, 9 a.m.
- Rector's class via Zoom, Wednesday, 6 p.m.
- Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Election of the 12th Bishop of Springfield, Friday.
- Electing Synod to elect the 12th Bishop of Springfield, Saturday.
Future Dates
- Christmas Eve services will occur on December 24 at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. The evening service will be preceded by the singing of carols at 9:30.
- A Christmas Day service will be celebrated at 9 a.m.
- Lessons and Carols will be part of the Sunday mass on December 26.
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Wanted: Vestry Nominees!
Walter Bohn, Marty Cavanaugh, and Bill Schaefer will be completing their terms on the vestry at the end of December. The election of candidates for their vacated slots will take place at the parish annual meeting in January 2022. Are you interested in serving the parish in this capacity? Terms are three years long and the body meets monthly, usually on the third Thursday.
If you have questions or are interested, contact Kevin Babb, Senior Warden.
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From the Rector
During Advent, we use a wreath to mark the passage of time, and the growing of the light in the darkness, as we look for the coming of the Messiah. While we prepare to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, we prepare our hearts to greet him as Lord and Savior when at last he returns.
The first candle lit is often referred to as the Prophecy Candle or the Candle of Hope. By its light, we remember that God is faithful to his promises. Just as the birth of Jesus was foretold by the prophets of old, we wait in hope for his promised return.
The second candle lit is sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle referring to the love of God. As we prepare to gather around a lowly manger, we see the grandeur of his love in his willing humility to come among us while we were yet sinners in need of repentance.
On the third candle, the Shepherd’s Candle, we remember their joy upon receiving news of the Messiah’s birth. The Gospel of Immanuel, God with us, is good news not only to the shepherds but to all mankind and for which we all may rejoice.
The fourth candle is symbolic of Peace. It is also known as the Angel’s Candle. By its light, we remember the message of the angels to the shepherds in the field that night so long ago. The message to them is the same message that comes to us now and always: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
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This Advent we have some additional waiting and preparation to do. As we prepare to elect our next bishop one week from today, December 11, we seek God’s will in the one who is being called to be our next pastor as a Diocese.
To help us get there, we will have a diocesan-wide day of prayer and fasting on Friday, December 10. During the day, individuals and families are invited to use a series of prayers and devotions put together by Bishop Lambert:
Additionally, there will be a day of prayer at the Cathedral that will be available in person and via Facebook with Daily Offices, Holy Eucharist, and other devotions.
Last, but certainly not least, let us pray fervently for all of our bishop candidates: Fr. Brian Burgess, Mtr. Mary Ann Hill, and Fr. Scott Seefeldt. We have been blessed to have them be a part of our discernment, and we will continue to be blessed, whoever God calls to be the 12th Bishop of Springfield.
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Pantry Is Seeking New Toys and Holiday Gift Items for Children
The Pantry is seeking support in collecting gift items for children, ages 0-18. Gifts can be dropped off until December 15 at 420 N. Main Street at these specific times:
- Saturday, December 11, 9 a.m. to 12 Noon;
- Tuesday, December 14, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.;
- Wednesday, December 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
Suggested toys for younger children include infant toys, craft kits, dolls, Legos, cars, sports equipment, as well as gifts for teens, including gift cards. You may also make a donation online. Just click on the button below!
Note: Illustration 224783038 © Katerina Chumakova | Dreamstime.com
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Christmas Offerings at St. Andrew's
If you wish to make a Christmas offering and have it acknowledged in our early January newsletter, you have three options for making your gift:
- print out and complete the Christmas offering form and send it with your check to St. Andrew's by December 24;
- print out and complete the Christmas offering form and put it in the collection plate on or before December 24; or
- submit your gift online at "Give" on the parish website by December 24..
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Episcopal News Service
Church of England Releases First-Ever Christmas Single, ‘At the Heart of Christmas’
The Church of England has released a Christmas single as part of a campaign to encourage more people to hear the real Christmas story through their local church. The single, a new carol version of “In the Bleak Midwinter” by one of the country’s top young composers, Rebecca Dale, will form the soundtrack to this year’s Church of England Christmas campaign.
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“At the Heart of Christmas” is the Church of England’s theme for Advent and Christmas 2021. Local churches all over the country will be welcoming their communities – in-person and online – to celebrate and share the good news of Christ’s birth with special services and events, supported by a wide range of national resources.
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Stewardship 2022:
Your pledge is still welcome!
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St. Andrew's Communications
Communications Coordinator and Newsletter Editor-in-Chief, Marian Smithson
Newsletter Editor, Jane Weingartner | Newsletter Editor, Marianne Cavanaugh
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